Annan Expresses Alarm At Reports Of Coup

United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced concern today at news of
a military coup in Thailand, saying he was disturbed at any
change of power through undemocratic means.

Speaking
to CNN at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan urged the
people of Thailand to “remain calm. Over the past decade
or so, they have established a solid democracy and
institutions under the leadership of the King. And I’m
sure they will be able to restore that institution and go
back to a democratic system as soon as possible.

The
Secretary-General said that while he did not have all the
details of what has taken place in Thailand, “we as an
Organization have always supported governmental changes
through democratic means, through the ballot box.”

He
cited the position of the African Union, which “has
indicated, they do not support those who come to power
through the barrel of a gun… this is not a practice to be
encouraged.”

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had
been scheduled to address the annual debate of the General
Assembly today but his appearance was later
cancelled.

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